America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses is one of the most recognizable value-focused optical retail brands in the United States. Known for its affordable eye exams and “2 pairs for $79.95” style offers, the company has successfully built a large nationwide footprint while competing against premium optical chains and online eyewear startups. To understand why America’s Best has scaled so efficiently, we need to break down its business model, ownership structure, revenue streams, and competitive strategy.
Overview of America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses operates as a retail optical chain offering:
- Eye exams
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Contact lenses
- Vision care accessories
The brand positions itself as a budget-friendly, high-volume optical provider, primarily serving middle-income and cost-conscious customers.
As of today, America’s Best has 900+ locations across the U.S., making it one of the fastest-growing optical retail brands in the country.
Ownership: Who Owns America’s Best?
America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses is owned by National Vision Holdings, Inc.
About National Vision Holdings
- A publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ (Ticker: EYE)
- One of the largest optical retail operators in the U.S.
- Also owns and operates other major brands such as:
- Vision Center (inside Walmart)
- Eyeglass World
- MyEyeDr (historically connected)
National Vision focuses on value-oriented eye care, which perfectly aligns with America’s Best’s low-cost strategy.
Key Ownership Insight:
America’s Best is not a franchise in the traditional sense. Most locations are corporate-owned, giving National Vision tight control over pricing, branding, and customer experience.
Core Business Model Explained
America’s Best follows a vertically integrated, high-volume, low-margin retail model. Let’s break this down.
- Value Pricing Strategy (Cost Leadership)
The brand’s most famous hook is:
“Two pairs of glasses for a low fixed price with a free eye exam.”
This pricing strategy is designed to:
- Attract price-sensitive customers
- Increase foot traffic
- Encourage impulse upgrades (lens coatings, contacts, accessories)
Instead of high margins per customer, America’s Best focuses on serving millions of customers at scale.
- In-House Eye Exams Drive Traffic
Eye exams are a major entry point into the ecosystem.
- Optometrists often operate as independent doctors within or adjacent to stores
- Customers visiting for exams are naturally guided toward in-store eyewear purchases
- Exams act as a loss leader that fuels product sales
This creates a closed-loop system where medical services drive retail revenue.
- Private-Label Eyewear and Contacts
A major reason America’s Best can keep prices low is its reliance on private-label products.
- Frames designed and sourced in bulk
- Lower manufacturing and branding costs
- Higher control over pricing
Unlike luxury brands that pay licensing fees (Ray-Ban, Gucci, etc.), America’s Best prioritizes function over fashion, which aligns with its core customer base.
Revenue Streams Breakdown
America’s Best generates revenue through multiple complementary channels:
- Eyeglasses Sales
- Frames
- Prescription lenses
- Add-ons like anti-glare and blue-light filters
- Contact Lenses
- Daily, monthly, and specialty lenses
- Subscription-like repeat purchases
- Eye Exams
- Affordable pricing increases volume
- Supports long-term customer retention
- Vision Insurance Partnerships
- Accepts major vision plans
- Insurance reimbursement ensures steady traffic
- Upselling & Add-Ons
- Premium lens coatings
- Faster delivery options
- Extended warranties
Each transaction may seem low-value individually, but at scale, the numbers are powerful.
Store Format and Operations Strategy
America’s Best stores are designed for efficiency, not luxury.
Key Operational Features:
- Standardized store layouts
- Minimal interior design costs
- Fast customer turnaround
- Centralized inventory management
This keeps operating costs low, allowing competitive pricing even during inflationary periods.
Competitive Advantage in the Optical Industry
- Price vs. Premium Chains
Compared to brands like LensCrafters or Pearle Vision:
- America’s Best is significantly cheaper
- Appeals to families, students, and uninsured customers
- Physical Stores vs. Online Eyewear Brands
Against online players like Warby Parker:
- Immediate eye exams
- In-person fittings
- Faster prescription fulfillment
This hybrid strength helps America’s Best defend itself from pure-play digital disruption.
Marketing and Customer Acquisition Strategy
America’s Best relies heavily on:
- TV advertising
- Digital search ads
- Local store promotions
- Strong in-store signage
The messaging is always simple and price-driven, not lifestyle-focused.
Example themes:
- “Affordable eye care for everyone”
- “No surprises, no premium pricing”
This clarity builds trust with budget-conscious customers.
Scalability and Growth Strategy
National Vision continues to expand America’s Best aggressively.
Growth Drivers:
- Opening new locations in underserved areas
- Increasing penetration in suburban and semi-urban markets
- Leveraging population growth and aging demographics
The U.S. vision care market benefits from:
- Rising screen usage
- Aging population
- Increased awareness of eye health
All of these trends support long-term demand.
Challenges and Risks
No business model is perfect. America’s Best faces challenges such as:
- Rising labor costs
- Competition from online eyewear startups
- Pressure on low margins
- Dependence on high customer volume
However, its scale, brand recognition, and operational efficiency help offset these risks.
Why the Business Model Works
America’s Best succeeds because it:
- Solves a real consumer pain point (affordable vision care)
- Operates at massive scale
- Controls costs aggressively
- Integrates medical services with retail sales
- Benefits from strong corporate ownership under National Vision
It’s a textbook example of cost leadership done right in a healthcare-adjacent retail industry.
Final Thoughts
America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses is not just an optical retailer—it’s a well-engineered value business built on efficiency, scale, and accessibility. Backed by National Vision Holdings, the brand continues to grow by making eye care affordable for millions of Americans.
For anyone studying U.S. retail business models, healthcare-adjacent services, or value-driven expansion strategies, America’s Best offers a powerful real-world case study.
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